Coming Up in September 2024: Community Engagement and Calendar Reminders

Learn about calendar reminders and upcoming community events for September. Find out when the ACPS Community Outreach team will be in your neighborhood!

Improve your English Speaking Skills! (Beginner and intermediate conversation)

Various dates and times (see below)

The Alexandria Library invites all interested to join a conversation group to practice English and gain confidence. No registration is needed. Just come! View the library calendar to see the schedule for different branch locations.

Alexandria's Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA)

Various dates and times (see below)

Visit the RPCA website to see what activities are taking place near you! There are upcoming Movie Nights, Community Picnics, Teen Nights and much more!

Upcoming Dates ACPS Schools and Offices will be Closed

All ACPS schools and offices will be closed on Fri. Aug. 30 - Mon., Sep. 2 

George Mason Elementary School Modernization Project
Tues., Sep. 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom

Join the Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Capital Programs, Planning and Design team for an important opportunity to receive updates on the schematic design options and project timeline for the George Mason Elementary Modernization project. Attendees can provide feedback on three schematic design options through polls and a Q&A.

Community Cookouts

Various dates and times (see below)

Join the Alexandria Police Department for the final community cookouts of this season. The cookouts are sponsored by various nonprofits and city agencies.

The following cookouts in September will be held from 6-7:30 p.m.:

• Tues., Sept. 10: Princess Square
• Tues., Sept. 17: Mount Vernon Recreation Center
• Tues., Sept.  24: Southport Apartments

Back-to-School Nights

Various dates and times (see below)

Families are invited to Back-to-School Night events every year to meet the teachers and staff at each school, learn about their students’ classes and engage in discussions about curriculum. Each school will communicate with their students, staff and families regarding the schedule for Back-to-School Night. The division’s elementary schools were excited to host Back-to-School Nights earlier this week. Upcoming Back-to-School Nights include:

• Wed., Sept. 4: Alexandria City High School (ACHS) - King Street Campus and Chance for Change Campus.
• Thurs., Sept. 5: Alexandria City High School Minnie Howard Campus (including Early Childhood Programs), ACHS Satellite Campus and Early Childhood Center.
• Mon., Sept. 9: Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School, George Washington Middle School and Patrick Henry K-8 School (5:30-6:30 p.m. for grades K-2, 7-8 p.m. for grades 3-5).
• Tues., Sept. 10: Patrick Henry K-8 School (5:30-6:30 p.m. for grades 6-8).
• Thurs., Sept. 12: Francis C. Hammond Middle School.

Community Volunteer Fair

Sat., Sept. 7, 3-5 p.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints (2810 King Street)

Volunteer Alexandria invites all Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) families to come out and discover how you can make a difference in our community! Over 40 non-profit organizations from across Alexandria will be gathering to showcase their impactful work and share ways you can get involved as a volunteer. As you explore the booths and meet with representatives, enjoy free snow cones, cotton candy and popcorn. ACPS will be participating, offering information about our volunteer program and sharing information with individuals who would like to volunteer on a regular basis or just want to learn more. There is something for everyone at this event!

ALIVE! Pop-Up Food Distributions

Various dates and times (see below)

ALIVE! is a local not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing emergency and basic needs support to children, families and individuals living in poverty and with hunger in the City of Alexandria. ALIVE! will distribute bags of food to Alexandria City residents. No ID is required. Check the ALIVE! website to see the schedule for September.

Alexandria Festival: Enkutatash - አሌክሳንድሪያ ፌስቲቫል; እንቁጣጣሽ

Tues., Sept. 10, 5-7 p.m.

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library (5005 Duke Street)

The Alexandria Library builds community by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create and connect. Explore and celebrate the Ethiopian and Eritrean New Year. Enjoy crafts, activities and refreshments that reflect this special holiday. All ages welcome.

Hispanic Heritage Month at Patrick Henry

Sat., Sept. 14 - Sat., Oct. 14

Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Avenue)

“Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Patrick Henry!” Celebrate the rich culture and traditions of the Hispanic community with us through daily events all month long. From art exhibits and games to movie nights, health workshops and a grand closing celebration — you will not want to miss a single moment!

DASH’s Ridership Record Block Party

Thurs., Sept. 19, 4-6 p.m.

William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Avenue)

DASH has set a new record with over 5.3 million boardings in 2024! Come celebrate with a fun-filled afternoon of games, delicious tacos and cupcakes, exciting giveaways and more. Everyone is welcome!

Tons of Trucks

Sat., Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Chinquapin Park (3210 King Street)

Join Tons of Trucks for a FREE fun-filled event that is perfect for families and children of all ages. Explore your favorite vehicles, big and small, and check out the brand-new electric Mobile Art Lab. Meet dedicated individuals who protect, build and serve our city. 

Community Resource Day
Sun., Sep. 22, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Patrick Henry K-8 School (4643 Taney Avenue)
Community Resource Day is a joint effort between the Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria and Landmark Church dedicated to helping families and students prepare for the coming school year. Families will learn about a wide range of programs and supports available across the city as well as receive books, school supplies, kitchen utensils and other resources. Activities for children will be offered in the gym during the event.

Supporting Healthy Choices
Wed., Sept. 25, 6-8 p.m.
Alexandria City High School - King Street Campus (3330 King Street)

Join Alexandria Parent-Teacher Association Council (PTAC), Alexandria City High School Parent-Teacher-Student Association, Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, ACPS staff and local partners for a panel discussion and family-focused breakout sessions on what we can all do to keep students safe. Attendees will better understand the division’s collaborations with city and community agencies to ensure student safety and be able to identify signs if a child is struggling with depression or substance use.

Interpretation available in Amharic, Arabic, Dari, and Spanish. To register or submit questions in advance, please visit www.acps.cc/healthychoices.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Thurs., Sept. 5, 6 p.m.

Thurs.,  Sept. 19, 6 p.m.
The regularly scheduled School Board meeting will take place.

School board meetings are held in person in the School Board Meeting Room at 1340 Braddock Place unless noted otherwise. Members of the public may attend in person or via Zoom. Please visit the School Board webpage for any updates to the meeting schedule.